Inertia type brake control means



c. c. FARMER INERTIA TYPE BRAKE CONTROL MEANS Filed July 16, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 lNVEN TOR W CLYDE C. FARMER ATTORNEY April 23, 1940. c. c. FARMER 2,198,033

INERTIA TYPE BRAKE CONTROL MEANS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR CLYDE c. FARMER ATTORNEY Patented Apr. 23, 1940 UNITED .STATES PATENT OFFICE 2.19am: manna TYPE Basin: oomor. mums Clyde 0. Farmer, Pittsburgh, Pa., assignor to The Westinghouse Air Brake Company, Wilmerding,

., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application m 16, ms, Serial No. 219,616

lzclaims.

This invention relates to inertia type brake control means for vehicles such as railway cars and trains and has particular relation to a rotary tion of motion. The dragging of a vehicle or car wheel along a road surface or rail in a locked state is referred to herein as sliding or a "sliding condition of the wheel.

If the braking force retarding the rotation of the vehicle or car wheel is immediately and rapciated with individual wheels or axle units have been proposedfor instantly and rapidly releasing the brakes on a car wheel at the instant it begins to slip, and thus guarding against sliding of the wheels, which is objectionable because of the development of flat spots on the wheels and the necessity for repair or replacement of the wheels. In my copending application Serial No. 137,956, filed April 20, 1937, now Patent 2,140,620, assigned to the assignee of this application, a rotary inertia device of this character is disclosed and claimed.

In prior known car brake control equipment having rotary inertia devices for guarding against sliding of the individual wheels or wheel-andaxle units, the inertia devices are driven from an axle by an endless chain or belt or from any other rotatable element which rotates according to the speed of rotation of a wheel axle, such as the armature shaft of the lighting generator. In such cases, the rotary inertia devices are located in relatively inaccessible locations under the floor of each vehicle or car, thereby making it dimcult to readily inspect, adjust, repair and replace.

It is an object of my invention to provide a rotary inertia device of the character above indicated which is of improved design and which 5 g is relatively small and compact.

Another object of my invention is to provide a rotary inertia device for guarding against sliding of the individual wheels or pairs of wheels on the vehicle or car and adapted in be mount- 10 ed at theend of a wheel axle, in a manner to constitute an extension of the axle journal housing, where it is readily accessible for inspection, servicing repairs or replacement.

vide a rotary inertia device of the character indicated in the foregoing objects adapted to be embodied in a unitary casing which may be readily substituted as a 'unit for the usual cover plate at the end of an axle journal housing, where- 39 by the brake control functions of the rotary inertia device may be embodied in a conventional brake equipment with a minimum of efiort and cost.

The above objects and other objects of my in- 35 vention which will be made apparent hereinafter, are attained in the manner to be subsequently described and indicated in the. accompanying drawings wherein Fig. 1 is a view, mainly in vertical section, 30

of one embodiment of my invention, together with a simplified diagrammatic representation of a brake control equipment with which it is associated,

Figs. 2 and 3 are sectional views, taken on the 35 lines 2-2 and 3-3, respectively, of Fig. 1,

Figs. 4 and 5 are fragmental sectional views, taken on the lines 4-4 and 5-5, respectively, of Fig. 3,

Fig. 6 is a fragmental vertical sectional view 0 showing another embodiment of my invention, and

Fig. 'l is a fragmental sectional view, taken on the line 1-1 of Fig. 6.

Description of equipment shown in Fig. 1

purposes of illustration, it is shown as employed A further object of my invention is to pro- 15 in connection with a brake control equipment of the character disclosed in my copending application, Serial No. 209,648, filed May 24, 1938 and assigned to the assignee of this application.

The brake control equipment, which it should be understood is shown in simplified form, may comprise a manually operable self-lapping brake valve l1, a source of fluid under pressure such as the usual main reservoir 18 located on the control car or locomotive of the train, a brake cylinder is, one or more of which may be provided for each individual axle or plurality of axles, a release and reapplication valve device 2| hereinafter called the release valve, a pressure operated switch device 22, two magnet valve devices 23 and 24, respectively, and a pressure operated switch 25.

Considering the parts of the equipment in greater detail, the rotary inertia device H is shown as applied to the journal housing I3, which for purposes of illustration is shown as of the roller bearing type having two adjacent rings of tapered roller bearings 21. It should be understood, however, that the type of journal housing is immaterial as my rotary inertia device may be attached to any type of journal housing.

As shown in Fig. l, the tubular casing l2 of the rotary inertia device I i has an annular flange 25 adapted to be secured to the outer end of the journal housing l3 by the same screws 3| as is the conventional cover plate for the journal housing. As in the case of the conventional end or cover plate, a suitable number of shims 32 of ring-shape are interposed between the flange 29 and the end of the journal housing to provide suitable adjustment for the roller bearings 21. The inner end of the casing l2 extends into and fits closely within the end opening of the journal housing and is adapted to engage the outer bearing ring 33 with which the roller bearings 21 are in contact, thereby providing the proper adjustment of the roller bearings in accordance with the number of shims 32.

Formed integrally withand within the tubular casing I2 is a partition or wall 34 which has a central opening 35 therein through which the end of the axle I4 extends. An annular packing of suitable material, such as laminations of felt, is inset in an annular groove formed in the wall 34 at the opening 35 for engaging the outer periphery of the axle l4 to form a seal to prevent the passage of oil, a supply of which is contained in the lower portion of the journal housing for lubricating the roller bearings, along the axle into the chamber 31 formed in the tubular casing 12 at the outer side of the wall 34. The purpose of preventing the passage of oil into the chamber 31 will be made apparent hereinafter.

The rotary inertia device ll further comprises a dynamically balanced inertia element in the form of a fly-wheel 39 which is rotatively mounted by anti-friction bearings, such as roller bearings 4|, on a spindle 42 having at one end thereof a disc-shaped flange 43 that is secured in coaxial relation to the axle 14 at the outer end thereof by a plurality of screws 44 (see Fig. 2).

The fiy-wheel 39 is arranged to be driven by the axle 14 through a resilient connection formed as by two oppositely biased plungers or stops 46 (see Fig. 3) contained in a suitable chordal bore 41 in the fiy-wheel, between the inner ends of which stops there extends a pin 48 formed integrally with the head of one of the screws 44. The fly-wheel 39 has a suitable bore or passage 49 therein which extends through the fly-Wheel in parallel spaced relation with respect to the axis of the fly-wheel and which intersects the bore 41, to provide passage for the pin 48. The bore 43 is larger in diameter than the pin 43 to permit relative rotary displacement between the fly-wheel and the axle.

As seen in Figs. 3 and 5, the diameter of the bore 41 at the two outer ends thereof is larger than the diameter at the mid-portion intersected by the bore 43 thereby forming an annular stop shoulder on opposite sides of the bore 49 which is adapted to be engaged by outwardly extending flanges on the plungers 46 to limit the inward movement of the plungers. The location of the shoulders 5| is such that, with plungers 46 shifted inwardly to the extent permitted by the shoulders, the inner ends of the plungers just contact opposite sides of pin 43 to prevent any loose relative rotary movement between the fly-wheel 39 and the axle l4.

Each of the plungers 46 is yieldingly urged inwardly into engagement with the corresponding shoulder 5| by a coil spring 53 which is interposed between the plunger 46 and a cam follower 54 which is in the form of a piston that operates in the outer end portion of the bore 41. The plungers 46 and the cam followers 54 are suitably-recessed to receive the opposite ends of the spring 53, respectively, to suitably support and hold it in position.

The position of the cam followers 54 in the bore 41 determines the degree of tension of the spring 53 which, in turn, varies the yielding force effective to resist relative movement between the fly-wheel 39 and the axle l4 when the axle and fly-wheel tend to rotate at different speeds in the manner to be hereinafter more clearly pointed out.

The position of each cam follower 54 in the bore 41 is adjusted by means of a corresponding cam element 56, in the form of a rotary stem, which fits closely in a bore or passage 51 that extends in parallel spaced relation to the axis of the fly-wheel and intersects the bore 41. Midway of the ends of the cam element 56 is a cylindrical cam surface 58 of reduced diameter, eccentric to the axis of the cam element 56 and adapted to be engaged by a tongue 59 of corresponding width on the outer end of the cam follower 54.

As shown in Fig. 3, the cam surface 58 is in the position to permit maximum outward movement of the cam follower 54 in bore 41, thereby relaxing the tension of the biasing spring 53 a maximum amount. Rotation of the cam element 56 in either direction from the position shown in Figs. 3 and 5 causes inward shifting of the cam follower 54 and a consequent increase in the biasing force of the spring 53.

It is essential that the degree of biasing force or tension of the springs 53 be accurately controlled and adjusted in order toinsure that relative rotary movement between the fly-wheel and axle occur only when the rate of rotative deceleration or acceleration exceeds a certain uniform rate occurring only when the wheels 15 slip. Accordingly, the outer end of the cam element 56 is provided with accurately spaced notches 6| into which the downwardly curved ends of a spring clip 62, that is secured to the outer face of the fly-wheel as by rivets 53 extending through the fly-wheel, is adapted to extend. Rotation of the cam element 56 may be effected by means of a suitable instrument, such as a screw-driver,

, which may be inserted in a suitable slot 64 formed amaosa in the same end of the cam element as are the notches 9|.

It will thus be seen that the cam element 39 is yieldably locked in any one of a plurality of fixed positions so that the tension of the spring 53 associated with each cam follower and plunger 49 on opposite sides of the pin 49 may be uniformly adjusted.

It should be understood, however, that the springs I9 on opposite sides of the pin 49 need not necessarily be adjusted to the same tension in all cases. For example, if the car or train of cars to which the rotary inertia device H is applied travels always in one direction, that is, when a certain end of a car or train always leads. the springs 33 need not necessarily be adjusted to the same tension. Further reference to the adjustment of the springs 93 will be made hereinafter.

In order to compensate for the removal of the material of which the fly-wheel 39 is made in providing the bores or passages 41, 49 and 51, and

thus to dynamically balance the fly-wheel 39, ma-

terial is likewise removed from theperiphery of the fly-wheel asby drilling a suitable bore 95.

The fly-wheel 39 and the axle H are related in the manner presently to be described so that upon occurrence of relative rotary movement between the fly-wheel and the axle. operation of a switch device is efiected. To this end, the spindle 42 is provided with a longitudinal bore 89 at the outer end thereof and a counterbore H of larger diameter at the inner end thereof, a plunger 12 being received in the bore and counterbore and having a head portion and a shank portion respectively fitting and operating in the counterbore and bore. The outer end of the plunger 12 has an end tip of insulating material 13 suitably secured thereto. for a purpose hereinafter made apparent, and is adapted to shift two pivoted contact levers I4 of the switch device 61 into contact with each other, the levers being normally disengaged from each other.

A coil spring 15 interposed in the counterbore 1| between the head of the plunger 12 and the shoulder formed between the counterbore H and bore 69 yieldingly urges the plunger 12 inwardly toward the outer end of the axle. Inward movement of the plunger I2 under the influence of the spring 15 is limited by the engagement of the head of the plunger with a pin 16 which extends through a transverse slot 18, in the spindle 42, that intersects the counterbore 1| adjacent the end flange 43.

The face of the fly-wheel 39 adjacent the end flange 43 of the spindle 42 has a circular recess 19 therein slightly larger in diameter than the end flange 43, in which recess 19 is received a triangular plate 8| (see Fig. 2) that is adapted to rotate with the fiy-wheel by means of pins 92 fixed in the fly-wheel and engaging in suitable slots 93 formed in the triangular plate 8| at the three apexes thereof. The plate member 9| always rotates with the fly-wheel 39 but is shiftable in the recess I9 axially with respect to the fly-wheel on the pins 92.

Formed in the adjacent faces of the triangular plate 3| and the flange 43 of the spindle 42 are a plurality of pairs of complementary recesses 95 and 96 of shallow conical contour. Any suitable number of pairs of complementary recesses and 36 may be provided in the end flange 43 and plate 9|, only three being shown for purposes of illustration. Interposed between the end flange 43 and the plate 8| and contained in the the outer end of the spindle 42 extends.

pocket formed by each pair of complementary recesses 33 and 93 is a steel ball 91.

The triangular plate II has a central opening 39, through which the shank of the spindle 42 extends, the opening 99 being counterbored on the face of the triangular plate 9| opposite the recesses 93 to form a recessed seating surface on the triangular plate 8| for receiving the pin 18 and preventing it from sliding transversely out of the slot 13 in the spindle 42.

It will be seen that spring 15 acts through the plunger 12 and pin 16 to yieldingly bias the plate 9| in the direction of the flange 43 on the spindle into contact with the steel balls 81. With the fly-wheel 39 and axle l4 held in their normal relative rotary positions by springs 53, the steel balls 91 are thus held between the plate 8| and flange 43 at the deepest point of the complementary recesses 85 and 98.

When the axle l4 decelerates rotatively at a rate in excess of a certain rate, determined by the resisting force or tension of either one of the springs 53, and occurring only when the wheels I! slip, the fly-wheel 39 shifts rotatively relative to the axle H, in a leading direction. When the axle accelerates rotatively at a rate in excess of a certain rate determined by the tension of either of the springs 53, the fly-wheel shifts rotatively relative to the axle in a lagging direction. Upon rotary movement of the fly-wheel relative to the axle H in either a leading or a lagging direction, the cooperation of the steel balls 81 with the sloping surfaces in the complementary recesses 85 and 86 causes the triangular plate 8| to be shifted axially towards the fly-wheel, in the right hand direction as seen in Fig. 1, against the yielding opposing force of the spring T5. The movement of the triangular plate iii in the right-hand direction is effective, through the pin [6, to shift the plunger 12 in the right-hand direction, the maximum degree of outward movement of the plunger 12 being limited by the engagement of the pin 16 with the end of the slot 18 in spindle 5E.

The switch device 51, previously mentioned comprises a base member 9! of insulating material that is rotatably supported on spindle @2, as by a ball bearing 93 provided in a central axial. bore or passage in the base member through which A spacing ring 94 is provided on the spindle 42 between the fly-wheel and the base member 9| of the switch device 61 and a suitable nut 95 and lock nut 96 are provided on the outer threaded end of the spindle 42 for holding the base member Si in position on the spindle.

The base member 9| of the switch device 61 is held against rotation by meansof a strap 98 fixed at one end to the base 9| and at the other end to the tubular casing i2. As shown illustratively in Fig. l, the strap 98 has a hole in the end thereof through which one of the screws 99 holding an end or cover plate |9| to the outer end of the tubular casing l2 extends, the end of the strap 98 being securely held between the end plate HH and the end of the tubular casing l2.

The pivoted contact levers 14 0f the switch device 61 are pivoted individually on separate metallic supporting brackets I02 suitably fixed or attached to the insulating base 9|. The contact levers 14 are in the form of bell cranks having two arms at an angle to each other, the outer end of one arm, hereafter called the contact arm,

being formed as a contact member, and the outer end of the other arm being arranged to be acted upon by acoil spring I04 interposed between the bracket and the arm which urges the arm into contact with the end of a stop screw I05 screwed into the bracket I02. A nut I06 is provided on the stop screw I05 to lock it in a desired position and thus determine the normal position of the contact end of the other arm of the lever.

The two brackets I02 are displaced axially along the axis of the spindle 42 so that the contact arm of one lever I4 is axially spaced from and out of engagement with the contact arm of the other lever I I, the two contact arms of the levers I4 being'in line with and close to the insulated tip 13 of the plunger I2. Thus, when the plunger I2 is shifted in the right-hand direction against the yielding force of the spring I5, the contact arm of one of the levers I4 is shifted yieldingly into engagement with the other.

Switch device 61 is arranged to control electrical circuits, hereinafter to be described, the connection of the circuit wires to the contact levers 74 being made as by attachment to the adjusting stop screws I05 in the manner shown, or in any other suitable manner. The circuit wires may enter the tubular casing I2 through an opening in the wall of the casing having an insulating element III! for supporting the wires in the open: ing and at the same time preventing the entry of dirt or dust therethrough.

It is essential for proper and reliable operation of the rotary inertia device that the fly-wheel 39 rotate fully in air and accordingly the packing ring 36 is provided to prevent entry of liquid lubricant from the journal housing I3 into the chamber 31 containing the fly-wheel. In order to prevent the accumulation of lubricant that might possibly enter chamber 31 due to failure of the packing ring 36 and thus prevent the flywheel 39 from running in liquid lubricant, a drain port I08 is provided in the lower wall of the tubular casing which may be covered by a fine mesh screen I 09, as shown, to prevent entry of foreign particles such as dirt, into the chamber 37.

The self-lapping brake valve I1 is of the type described in detail and claimed in Patent No. 2.042112 of Ewing K. Lynn and Rankin J. Bush and accordingly only a functional description thereof is given herein. The brake valve II has an operating handle III which is shiftable in a horizontal plane from a normal position into an application zone. With the operating handle I I I in its normal or release position, the brake cylinder I9 is vented to atmosphere at the brake valve through a pipe II2 hereinafter called the straight-air pipe. When the operating handle III is shifted into the application zone, fluid under pressure is supplied from the main reservoir I8 through a supply pipe I I3 to the straightair pipe H2 and connected brake cylinder I9 to establish a pressure therein substantially proportional to the degree of displacement of the operating handle out of its release position, If the pressure in the straight-air pipe II2 reduces or tends to reduce, due to leakage or as hereinafter described, brake valve II operates automatically to supply fluid under pressure into the straightair pipe to maintain or reestablish a pressure corresponding to the position of the brake valve handle I I I in the application zone.

The release valve 2I is of well known construction, beingof a conventional type employed in modern high speed railway brake equipment. It comprises briefly a casing containing a vent valve I I4 which is connected by a stem I I5 to an operating piston II6. Normally the operating piston H6 and vent valve II are urged downwardly by a coil spring III, interposed between the casin and the piston, to a position in which the vent valve I seats on an annular rib seat to close an exhaust port H8 and at the same time establish communication between one section 01 the straight-air pipe I I 2 connected to the brake valve I! and another section leading to the brake cylinder. Formed in the casing above the operating piston II 6 is a chamber II! which is in communication through a restricted port I 2I in the piston with the annular chamber I22 formed between the operating piston and the vent valve and into which the two sections of the straightair pipe open.

The spring I I1 is of such strength, and the size of the restricted port I2I of the piston II! Is such, that when fluid under pressure is supplied into .the straight-air pipe II2 under the control of the brake valve II, the operating piston and vent valve remain in the normal position shown. Fluid under pressure supplied through the straight-air pipe II2 to the brake cylinder flows through the restricted port I2I in the piston Hi to the chamber II9 so that the chamber H! becomes promptly charged to the pressure in the straight-air pipe.

If, while the straight-air pipe H2 and the brake cylinder I9 are charged with fluid under pressure, the chamber II! is rapidly vented, the differential force of the iluid pressure on the lower face of the piston IIi over that on the upper face shifts the piston upwardly and into seated engagement on a gasket seat I23. The vent valve H4 is correspondingly shifted upwardly to a position interrupting the connection between the two sections of the straight-air pipe and connecting that section of the straight-air pipe II2 between the release valve 2| and brake cylinder I9 to atmosphere through the exhaust port II8. When the piston H6 is seated on the gasket seat I23, fluid under pressure continues to leak to a negligible degree through the restricted port I2I in the piston to the chamber I I9. Due to the pressure maintaining feature of the brake valve I'I, however, no diminution of the pressure in the section of the straight-air pipe I I2 between release valve 2| and brake valve I1 occurs.

Magnet valve device 23 is provided for establishing an exhaust communication for the chamber II9 of the release valve 2I. Magnet valve device 23 comprises a casing embodying a valve I25 of the poppet type and an electromagnet winding or solenoid I26 effective when energized to actuate a plunger or stem I2I to unseat the valve I25 from its seated position on an associated valve seat, formed on the casing, against the yielding resistance of a coil spring I28. The valve I25 is contained in a chamber I29 which is constantly connected to the chamber II! of the release valve 2|, as by a pipe I3I. When the valve I25 is unseated, communication is established from the chamber II9 through pipe I3I, chamber I29, past the valve I25, to a chamber I32 which is constantly open to the atmosphere through an exhaust port I33. With the valve I25 seated, this exhaust communication is closed.

The pressure operated switch device 22 comprises a casing containing a piston I35 adapted to operate a switch contact member I36 and a valve I3'I of the poppet type. In the form shown, the piston I35 has a stem I38 at one side thereof to which the switch member I36 is fixed in a valve I31 when insulated relation and a stem I35 on the opposite side thereof on which valve I31 is fixed. Interposed between the casing and the upper face of the piston I35, in a chamber I which is constantly open to atmosphere through an exhaust port 142, is a coil spring I43 which yieldingly urges the piston downwardly to a normal position in which switch member I35 disengages a pair oi. associated fixed contact flngers I44 and in which the valve I31 is seated on an associated valve seat. The valve I31 controls communication through a port I and a branch pipe I41 between a chamber I45, formed in the casing at the lower side 0! the piston I35 and that section of the straight-air pipe II2 between the release valve 3| and the brake cylinder I5, the branch pipe I41 being connected to the straight-air pipe H2 at a point adjacent the brake cylinder.

The inner seated area oi the valve I31 is oi relatively small area and the strength ofthe spring I43 is such that normally the maximum pressure of the fluid supplied into the straightair pipe H2 and brake cylinder I3 is unable to overcome the spring and unseat the valve. In order to eflect operation of the switch member I35 and valve I31, the magnet valve 24 is provided for supplying fluid under pressure to the chamber I45 from the straight-air pipe H2 at a point adjacent the brake cylinder I3. The area of the piston I35 is relatively large compared to the area of the valve I31 and thus a fluid pressure, which is ineffective to unseat the acting solely on the inner seated area thereof, is effective when acting on the piston I35 to urge the piston upwardly and thereby eflect unseating oi the valve I31 and engagement of the switch member I35 with the contact flngers I44.

Once the valve I31 is unseated, direct communication between the straight-air pipe H2 and connected brake cylinder I3 with the chamber I45 is established through port I45 and branch pipe I41, and thus the piston I35 is thereafter maintained in a raised position as long as the pressure of the fluid in the chamber I45 exerts a suflicient force on the piston to overcome the spring I43. The area of the piston I35 is such in relation to the strength of the spring I43 as to maintain the valve I31 unseated and the switch member I35 in engagement with the contact fingers I44 as long as the pressure in the chamber I45 exceeds a predetermined low pressure, such as five pounds per square inch.

The piston I35 has a relatively loose fit to prevent undesired build-up of pressure in the chamber I45 and consequent undesired operation of the switch device 22 in the event oi leakage past the valve I31, any possible fluid under pressure which may enter the chamber I45 escaping past the piston to the atmospheric chamber Ill.

The magnet valve 24 is similar to the mag net valve 23 and accordingly no description,

thereof is deemed necessary, corresponding parts of the magnet valves being identified by the same reference numerals. The chamber I23 containing-the valve I25 of the magnet valve device 24 is connected by a branch pipe I5I to the straightair pipe 2 at a point adjacent the brake cylinder I3 and the chamber I32 is connected by a pipe I53 to the chamber I45 beneath the piston- I35 of the pressure switch 22.

With the straight-air pipe H2 and brake cylinder I3 charged with fluid under pressure, the

energization of the magnet winding I25 oi the magnet valve device 24 efiects unseating or the valve I25 and the consequent supply oi fluid under pressure from the brake cylinder and straight-air pipe through the pipe I5l, chamber I25, past the unseated valve I25, chamber I32 and pipe I53 to the chamber I45 oi the pressure switch 22, thereby eiiecting operation thereof to engage the switch member I35 with the contact fingers I44 and unseat the valve I31.

When the electromagnet winding I25 0! the magnet valve device 24 is deenergized, the valve I25 is res'eated to cut oil the supply of fluid under pressure therepast to the chamber I45. As previously pointed out, however, once the valve I31 is unseated, the pressure in the straight-air pipe I I2 and brake cylinder I3 maintains the piston I35 in raised position as long as the pressure exceeds a certain pressure, such as flve pounds per square inch. Thus it will be seen that the electromagnet winding I25 of the magnet valve device 24 need only be momentarily energized to effect the operation of the pressure switch device 22, since the return of the pressure switch to its normal position is controlled by the pressure in the chamber I45 independently otthe deenergization of the electromagnet winding of the magnet valve device 24.

The pressure switch 25 is diagrammatically shown as comprising a casing containing a piston I having a stem I55 carrying in insulated relation thereon a switch member I51. At one side oithe piston I55, in interposed relation be tween the piston and the casing, is a coil spring I55 which normally yieldingly urges the piston downwardly to a limit position in which the switch member I51 is out of engagement with a pair of associated fixed contact fingers I53. On. the opposite side of the piston to the spring I53 is a chamber IBI which is constantly connected through a branch pipe I52 to that section of the straight-air pipe 2 between the release valve 2I and the brake valve I1.

The strength of the spring I53 is such as to maintain the switch member I51 out of engagement with its associated contact fingers I53 as long as the pressure or the fluid supplied into the straight-air pipe H2 and acting in chamber IN on the piston I55 does not exceed a predetermined low pressure such as flve pounds per square inch. when the pressure of the fluid supplied into the straight-air pipe II2 exceeds such pressure, the spring I53 yields to permit upward movement of the piston to cited: engagement of the switch member I51 with its associated contact flngers I53. I

Energization oi the respective electromagnet windings I250! the magnet valve devices 23 and 24 is effected by current supplied from a suitable source, such as a storage battery I53, which may be the storage battery for the lighting system of the car. The circuits for controlling the magnet valve devices 23 and 24 are simple in character and readily apparent from the drawings and should accordingly need no specific descriptionexcept to point out that the electromagnet winding I25 01' the magnet valve device 23 is Jointly controlled by the series-connected pressure switches 22 and 25 while the electromagnet winding I25 01 the magnet 24 is Jointly controlled by the series-connected pressure switch 25 and switch device 51 of the rotary inertia device II.

Operation of equipment shown in Fig. 1

Let it be assumed that with the main reservoir 15 is charged with fluid under pressure to the normal pressure carried therein as from a fluid compressor, not shown, and with the car or train or cars traveling along the road under power or coasting, the operator desires to effect an application of the brakes. In such case the operator shifts the brake valve handle III from release position into the application zone, after first cutting off the propulsion power ii the power is on, the degree of shifting of the handle I II into the application zone being according to the desired degree of application. Fluid under pressure is accordingly supplied to the brake cylinder to effect application of the brakes associated with the axle I4 and wheel I5.

If the degree of application of the brakes is such as not to cause slipping of the vehicle wheels I 5 and axle l4, the contact levers 14 of the switch device 67 of the rotary inertia device I I remain disengaged from each other for the reason that one of the springs 53 which sustains the torque force applied from the axle I4 to the fly-wheel 39 holds the fly-wheel in its normal position with respect to the axle I4 as long as the wheels do not slip.

If the axle I4 and associated wheels I5 slip, however, due to the application of the brakes, the fly-wheel 39 tends to continue at the original speed while the axle decelerates rapidly and accordingly the fly-wheel 39 is shifted to a leading position rotarily with respect to the axle, thus resulting in the shifting of the plunger I2 in the right-hand direction to eifect enegagement of the contact levers I4 of the switch device 61.

The pressure switch 25 having already been operated to circuit-closing position due to the pressure of the fluid in the straight-air pipe H2, the engagement of the contact levers I4 of the switch device 67 completes the circuit for energizing the electromagnet winding I26 of the magnet valve device 24, which accordingly operates to supply fluid under pressure to the chamber I45 of the pressure switch 22. Pressure switch 22 is accordingly operated to eiiect engagement of its switch member I36 with the associated contact fingers I44 and to unseat the valve I3'I. With pressure switch 25 already in circuit-closing position, the engagement of the switch member I36 of the switch device 22 with its associated contact fingers I44 completes the circuit for energizing the electromagnet winding I26 of the magnet valve device 23, which is accordingly operated to vent the chamber II 9 of the release valve 2i.

The release valve 2I is accordingly operated to cut off the connection between the two sections of the straight-air pipe H2 and vent brake cylinder I9 to atmosphere through the exhaust port H8 at a rapid rate.

Due to the rapid venting of fluid under pressure from the brake cylinder I9 practically instantaneously upon the initiation of slipping of the vehicle wheels I5 and axle I4 and the consequent reduction in the degree of application of the brakes associated with the wheels, the wheels cease deceleration at the excessive rate incidental to slipping and begin to accelerate rapidly back toward a speed corresponding to car or rail speed. In view of the fact that the weight of a car wheel or wheel and axle unit is relatively small compared to the weight 01' the car, the rate of acceleration of the wheels and axle back toward a speed corresponding to vehicle or rail speed is exceedingly rapid, being at least as great as the rate of deceleration in slipping.

Accordingly, it will be seen that as a result of the reduction in the rate or deceleration and the subsequent acceleration of the axle and wheels, the axle I4 overtakes and tends to overspeed the fly-wheel 39. The fly-wheel 39 accordingly shifts rotarily from a leading position with respect to the axle back to its normal position and then to a lagging position with respect to the axle. The momentary return of the fly-wheel 39 to its normal position results in the momentary separation of the contact levers I4 01 the switch device 61 and the consequent deenergization oi the electromagnet-winding I26 0! the magnet valve device 24.

However, since the valve I51 0! the pressure switch 22 is unseated and communication established therepast from the straight-air pipe H2 and brake cylinder I9 to the chamber I46, the momentary deenergization of the magnet winding I26 of magnet valve 24 is without eil'ect, because the pressure remaining in the brake cylinder and the connected section of the straightair pipe H2 still remains sufliciently high to maintain the valve I3'I unseated and the switch member I36 in contact with its associated contact fingers I 44. It will thus be seen that once the pressure switch 22 is operated by the engagement of the contact levers 14 of the switch device 6'! of the rotary inertia device II, the pressure switch 22 is thereafter conditioned in circuit-closing position to maintain the release valve device 2| in a position to vent fluid under pressure from the brake cylinder regardless of changes in the rotative condition of the axle and wheels.

With the contact levers I4 of the switch device 61 again engaging each other due to the shifting of the flywheel 39 to a lagging position with respect to the axle I4, the magnet winding I26 of the magnet valve device 24 is of course again energized and communication between the brake cylinder I9 and connected section of the straightair pipe I I2 with the chamber I45 of the pressure switch 22 again established. However, such operation is without effect for direct communication between the chamber I45 and the straight-air pipe H2 is maintained past the unseated valve I31 of the pressure switch 22.

As the axle I4 and wheels I5 approach a rotative speed corresponding to car or rail speed, the rate of acceleration decreases below that sufiicient to maintain the fly-wheel 39 in lagging position with respect to the axle l4, and consequently the fly-wheel 39 returns to normal rotative position with respect to the axle, with the result that the contact levers I4 of the switch device 61 are returned to their normal disengaged position and the electromagnet winding I26 of the magnet valve device 24 consequently deenergized.

The time required for the pressure in the brake cylinder to reduce sufficiently to permit the spring I43 of the pressure switch 22 to return the valve I3'I into seated position and to disengage the switch member I36 from its associated contact fingers I44 is longer than that required for the axle I4 and wheels I5 to return to car or rail speed and thus the brakes associated with the slipping wheels are released and cannot be reapplied before the vehicle wheels and axles return to rail or car speed.

When the pressure in the brake cylinder I 9 and the connected chamber I45 of the pressure switch 22 reduces to below the uniform low value of flve pounds per square inch, which occurs at some time subsequent to the complete return 02 the axle and wheels to a speed corresponding to rail or car speed, the spring I43 returns the valve I31 to seated position and shifts the switch member I" out o! engagement with its associated contact fingers I44.

The separation of the switch member I35 0! the pressure switch 22 from its associated contact fingers I44 results in the deenergization of the electromagnet winding I25 oi the magnet valve device 23 and theconsequent seating 01' the valve I25 thereof to close the venting communication from the chamber II! of the release valve 2|. The volume of the chamber H5, pipe Ill and chamber I23 0! the magnet valve device 23 is relatively small and the size of the choke I2! in the piston H5 is such that chamber Ill becomes promptly charged with fluid under pressure supplied through choke Hi from the section of the straight-air pipe H2 connected to the brake valve I'I so that the spring I I! thus very promptly shifts the vent valve II4 to seated position to close the exhaust port H5 and rastore the communication between the two sections or the straight-air pipe II2. Fluid under pressure is accordingly resupplied through the straight-air pipe II2 to the brake cylinder is to eil'ect reappllcation oi the brakes associated with the wheels I5 and axle I4 because, as previously explained, the brake valve device I1 operates to maintain a pressure in the straight air pipe corresponding to the position of the operating handle I I I thereof out of its normal release position.

It is customary for the operator of a railway train to reduce the degree of application of the brakes as the speed of the train decreases. Accordingly the operator does not maintain the brake valve handle III in its original position but returns it toward release position as the speed of the train reduces.- Consequently the pressure ultimately restored in the straight-air pipe H2 and brake cylinder I9 will not be as great as that which produced or caused the slipping oi the axle and wheels I5 so that recurrence of wheel slipping is unlikely.

In the. event that the degree of application of the. brakes associated with the wheels I5 resulting from the restored pressure in the brake cylinder I9 is suflicient to again cause slipping of the wheels, the previous operation is repeated so that in no case are the car wheels I5 permitted to attain a locked state and slide.

When the car or train has been brought to a stop, the operator may shift the handle III or the brake valve II a maximum degree into the application zone to obtain a maximum degree of application of the brakes sufllcient to hold the car or train on any grade condition encountered in service. With the car or train stationary, the contact levers 14 of the switch device 51 of the rotary inertia device II are disengaged and consequently the magnet winding I25 0! the magnet valve device 24 is deenergized and the valve I25 thereof seated. Accordingly, since the valve I31 cannot be unseated solely in response to the maximum pressure acting thereon in the straight-air pipe I I2 of thebrake cylinder I9, no undesired release of the brakes will be eflected. Should fluid under pressure leak past either the valve I21 or the valve I25 0! the magnet valve device 24 to the chamber I45 while the car or train is stopped with the brakes applied, the loose flt of the piston I35 permits the release of such fluid under pressure to atmosphere past the piston to the atmospheric chamber I4l. Accordingly, the undesired operation of the pressure switch 22 due to leakage of fluid under pressure into the chamber I45, and the consequent undesired release 01' the brakes cannot be eflected.

When the operator desires to release the brakes prior to again starting the train, he merely turns '5 the brake valve handle II I to its release position. Fluid under pressure is accordingly released from the brake cylinder I3 through the straight-air pipe I I2 to atmosphere at the brake valve, thereby completely releasing the brakes.

The pressure switch 25 is returnedto circuit-opening position as the result of the reduction of the pressure in the straight-air, pipe I I2. Accordingly, it therotary inertia device I I isassociated with the axle of a traction wheel and axle unit. the racing of the wheels due to excessive application 01 propulsion torque does not cause energization of the magnet winding I25 and the magnet valve device 24. With the fluid under pressure vented from the brake cylinder and the brakes accordingly released, no objectionable operation would result in any case from the engagement oi the contact levers I4 caused by racing of the wheels, but the pressure switch 25 operates to prevent needless energization of the magnet winding I2 of the magnet valve device 24 and the consequent drain on battery I55. v

. It will be apparent that the insulating tip I! on the operating plunger I2 of the rotary inertia device II prevents the grounding '0! the contact levers 14 and the consequent short-circuiting of the battery I53 upon engagement of the plunger I2 with one of the contact levers.

Modified embodiment shown in Fig. 6

Referring to Fig. 6, a modified embodiment of a rotary inertia device 2 is illustrated which is generally similar, in construction and adaptation to the rotary inertia device II. To avoid duplication of description, corresponding parts in the two devices will be identified by the same reference numeral and in general only those specific differences with respect to the rotary inertia device II pointed out. Essentially the difierence between the rotary inertia device 2 and. the rotary inertia device II lies in the fact that the former is adapted to be secured to and removed irom the end of the journal housing I3 as a unit which is not the case with the rotary inertia device II. To this end, a plate 2I2 is secured to the outer end of the axle I4 as by a plurality of screws 2I3, the plate 2I2 having a slot 2I4 formed therein for receiving a close-fitting tongue 2I5, of similar configuration to the slot, on a coupling member 2Iil. The coupling 55 member 2I0 is further provided with a transverse slot 2I6 therein for receiving a projecting pair of spaced lugs 2I'I formed at the inner end of a spindle 42a corresponding to the spindle 42.

The flange 43 of the spindle 42a. is spaced from the inner end of the spindle 42a to provide space for the support of the inner end of the spindle by a. ball bearing unit 2i! flxed in the central opening 22I of a wall 222 formed as an inwardly extendingflange of the tubular casing I20. of 5 the rotary inertia device 2I I. Adjacent the ball bearing unit 2I9, within the opening 22I of the wall 222, is a packing washer 222, of felt or other suitable material, adapted to closely surround the inner end of the spindle 42a to prevent the passage of liquid lubricant from the roller bearing compartment of the journal housing I3 along the spindle to the chamber 31a formed at the opposite side of the wall 222.

The outer end of the spindle 42a is rotatably .75

supported by a ball bearing unit 224 fixed in a central opening 225 formed in an end or cover plate 226 which is secured to the outer end of the tubular casing I 2a by a plurality of screws 221.

The fly-wheel 39 is contained within the chamber 31a formed between the wall 222 and the cover plate 226 and is rotatively supported on the spindle 42a. as by a plurality of ball bearing units 4| in the same manner as in the rotary inertia device H. A circular recess 18a is formed on the inner face of the fly-wheel 39 which is deeper than the corresponding recess '19 of the rotary inertia device II and the flange 43 of the spindle 42a is located within the recess 19a and cooperates with the triangular plate 8| associated with the fly-wheel 39 in the same manner as in the rotary inertia device II. A pin 48a, riveted at a suitable point near the outer periphery of the flange 43, is provided in place of the pin 48 of the rotary inertia device II. The pin 48a is held between spring biased stops 46 in exactly the same manner as is the pin 48 in the rotary inertia device H.

Suitably secured as by screws or bolts, not shown, to the outer face of the cover plate 226 is a switch device 61a, similar to the switch device 61, and having two pivoted contact levers Ha arranged to be shifted into engagement with each other by a plunger 12 disposed in spindle 42a in the same manner as in the spindle 42.

' An end cover 23! is secured to the outer face of the cover plate 226, as by a plurality of screws 232, to enclose the switch device 61a. A suitable opening 233 is provided in the end cover 23l through which the wires connected to the contact levers 14a of the switch device 61a may pass to the exterior of the casing. If desired, a suitable insulator corresponding to insulator ill'i may be provided for supporting the wires in the opening 233 or the opening maybe calked with a suitable substance to prevent the entry of dirt, cinders or dust under the end cover, which might interfere with the proper engagement of the contact levers 140. with each other.

In order to provide access to the cam elements 56 for the purpose of adjusting the tension of the springs 53 in the fly-wheel 39 without removing cover plate 226, the cover plate 226 is provided with a plurality of openings or holes 235, which may have disc-like covers 236 with securing spring flanges extending into the openings 235.

Like the casing H of the rotary inertia device II, the casing 12a of the rotary inertia device 2| I is provided with a suitable drainage port 108 covered by a fine mesh screen I 09.

In operation, the rotary inertia device 2| l functions in exactly the same manner as does the rotary inertia device II and accordingly it should not be necessary to repeat a description of such operation. It should be noted, however, that since the spindle 42a is supported by the wall 222 and the cover plate 226 of the rotary inertia device 2H and since the spindle 42a is, furthermore, readily withdrawn from the slot 2|6 in the coupling'member 2|!) on the end of the axle H, the entire rotary inertia device 2H may be removed as a unit merely by unscrewing the screws 3! that secure the flange 29 of the casing l2a to the journal housing l3. It will thus be seen that, if for some reason or other it is desired to remove one of the rotary inertia devices 2!! and replace it by another, such operation should take but a few minutes. Furthermore,

the removal and the installation of the device may be eflected by relatively unskilled persons,

Summary Summarizing, it will be seen that I have disclosed two embodiments of a rotary inertia device adapted to be driven directly from the axle on a car and having a casing adapted to be secured to the end of the axle journal in place of the conventional cover plate.

Both embodiments employ the same principle of construction, embodying an inertia element in the form of a fly-wheel adapted to be driven by the axle and having a resilient connection therewith whereby upon deceleration and acceleration of the axle in excess of a certain rate, as when the wheels fixed to the axle slip, the fly-wheel shifts rotatively relative to the axle successively in a leading and a lagging direction to effect the closing of a switch device.

In one embodiment, the spindle, on which the fly-wheel rotates, is secured directly to the end of the axle while the switch device is rotatively supported on the spindle and restrained against rotation by a connecting strap attached to the casing.

In the other embodiment, the spindle on which the iiy-wheel rotates is supported independently of the axle within the casing of the rotary inertia device and has an interlocking connection through a coupling member with the axle. The switch device is supported by the casing entirely independently of the spindle on which the flywheel rotates.

In both embodiments, the casing of the rotary inertia device is formed to contain a suitable packing to prevent the entry of lubricating oil from the axle journal into the chamber containing the fiy-wheel thus enabling the fly-wheel to rotate freely in air independently of the level of the lubricant in the journal housing.

In both embodiments, a switch device for controlling a single circuit is shown but it will be understood that any suitable number of contact levers, corresponding to contact levers H and 14a, may be provided, whereby a plurality of circuits may be controlled.

It will be evident that while I have disclosed only two specific forms of my invention, various omissions, additions or modifications may be made in the embodiments shown without departing from the spirit of my invention. It is accordingly not my intention to limit the scope of my invention except as it is necessitated by the scope of the prior art.

Having now described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to ent, is:

1. A rotary inertia device of the type for registering the rotative condition of a vehicle wheel secure by Letters Patand axle unit, comprising a rotary element located at the end of the axle and arranged to be driven thereby, and a casing removably attached to the journal housing associated with the axle in place of the usual end cover for closing the open end of the journal and at the same time enclosing the parts of the rotary inertia device including the rotary element.

2, A rotary inertia device of the type adapted to register the rotative condition of a vehicle wheel and axle unit, comprising a casing and a rotary element entirely supported by said casing, said casing being arranged to be removably attached to the journal housing associated with the axle in place of. the usual end cover and in a position locating the rotary element in coaxial alignment with the axle. and means the rotary element to the axle to cause the rotary eleinent to be driven by the axle.

3. A rotary inertia device of the WW adapted to register the rotative condition of a vehicle wheel and axle unit, comprising a rotary element separably connected to the end of the axle, a rotary inertia element rotarily supported on the said rotary element, resilient means interposed between the rotary element and the rotary inertia element through which the rotary inertia element is driven by the rotary element, a switch device rotatably supported on 'said rotary element and having switch members operated in response to the relative rotary movement between the rotary element and rotary inertia element, a casing removably attached to the outer end of a Journal casing associated with the axle in place of the usual end cover for enclosing the open open end of the Journal and housing said rotary element, said rotary inertia element and said switch device, and means flxed to the casing preventing rotation of the switch device upon rotation of the rotary element.

4. A rotary inertia device of the type adapted to register the rotative condition of a vehicle wheel and axle unit, comprising a casing. a rotary element rotatably supported entirely by said casing, said casing being removably attached to the outer end of a journal casing associated with the axle in place of the usual end cover for closing the open end of the journal casing, said rotary element being located in coaxial alignment with the axle when thecasing is attached to the journal casing, and a coupling member interlocking the rotary element and the axle, said rotary inertia device being installable and removable as a unit. r

5. A rotary inertia device of the type adapted to register the rotatlve condition of a vehicle wheel and axle unit, comprising a tubular casing adapted to be removably attached to the outer end of a Journal casing associated with the axle in place of the usual end cover thereof, said tubular casing having a flange extending radially inward and having a central opening therein through which the end of the axle extends, an annular packing interposed in the opening of said annular flange between the flange and the axle, a rotary element removably attached to the end of the axle, a rotary inertia element supported rotatably entirely on the said rotary element, resilient means interposed between the rotary element and rotary inertia element to provide a yielding driving connection through which the rotary inertia element is driven by the rotary element, a switch device having a supportmg base rotatably supported on the rotary element and switch members operated by relative rotary movement between the rotary element and rotary inertia element, and a member fixed to the tubular casing for preventing rotation of the base of the switch device upon rotation of the rotary element.

6. A rotary inertia device of the type adapted to register the rotative condition of a vehicle wheel and axle unit, comprising a spindle having a flange removably attachable to the end of the axle, a fly-wheel rotatably supported on said wheel and acting on opposite sides of said pin to provide a yielding driving connection between the axle and the fly-wheel switch means having a base rotatably supported on the said spindle and having switch members adapted to be. operated upon relative rotary movement between the fly-wheel and the axle, and means for preventing rotation of the switch device.

7. A rotary inertia device comprising a rotary driving element, a rotary inertia element rotatably supported on the driving element and havingan opening therein spaced radially outwardlyi'rom the axis thereof and in parallel relation to the axis thereof on which it rotates, said rotary driving element having a projection which extends into said opening, a pair of spring biased stops carried by the rotary inertia element and urged into contact with opposite sides of said projection whereby to form a resilient drixrng connection between the driving element and the rotary inertia element, a member so constructed and arranged as to rotate with the rotary inertia element at all times and to be movable axially with respect to the rotary inertia element, means interposed between said member and the rotary driving element for producing axial movement of the said member upon relative rotary movement between the driving element and the rotary inertia element, and a switch device having contact members operated by movement of said member.

8. A rotary inertia device comprising a rotary driving element, a rotary inertia element, said rotary element having a projection which extends into the plane oi rotation of the rotary inertia element, resilient means carried by the said rotary inertia element and arranged to be acted upon by the said projection to form a yielding driving connection between the rotary driving element and the inertia element, and rotary means carried on the rotary inertia element for varying the resistance of the resilient means to relative rotary movement between the rotary element and the inertia element, said rotary member having a plurality of notches therein, and spring biased means carried by the rotary inertia element adapted to engage in said notches to yieldingly hold said rotary member in its different rotary positions.

9. A rotary inertia device comprising a rotary driving element having a flange thereon in which are a plurality of shallow recesses of conical contour, a rotary inertia element,meansproviding a resilient yielding connection through which the rotary inertia element is driven by the rotary element and adapted to yieldingly permit relative movement between the rotary element andtheinertia element, a member so constructed and ar-' ranged as to rotate with the rotaryinertiaelement at all times and to be movable axially relative to the inertia element, said member having a pinrality oi shallow recesses of conicalcontour corresponding in number and location to the recesses in the flange oi the said rotary element and complementary thereto, a plurality of elements interposed between the said flange and said memher, one in the pocket formed by each of the complementary pairs of recesses, whereby upon relative rotary movement between the inertia element and the rotary element said member is urged in an axial direction, and control means adapted to be operated by axial movement of said member. s. I

10. A rotary inertia device of the type adapted to register the rotative condition of a wheel and axle unit, comprising a tubular casing removably attachable to the outer end of a journal associated with the axle in substitution for the usual end cover therefor, said tubular casing having two spaced annular flanges extending radially inward and having aligned central openings therein, a

spindle rotatively supported at opposite ends by' 1 device carried by the outer of said annular flanges and having switch members adapted to be operated by relative rotary movement between the fly-wheel and the spindle.

11. A rotary inertia device comprising a shaft adapted to be rotarily driven, an inertia element carried by said shaft and adapted to move rotatively thereon, said inertia element having two intersecting bores one of which is parallel to the axis of said shaft and the other of which is disposed at an angle to the first said bore, a member fixed to the shaft and extending into the first said bore of the inertia element in a manner to permit limited relative movement between the inertia element and the shaft, a pair of spring-biased stops carried by the inertia element in the other of said bores and arranged on opposite sides of said member in contact therewith to yieldingiy hold said inertia element in a certain normal position with respect to said shaft and to form a resilient driving connection between the said shaft and the inertia element, and a switch device operated in response to rotary movement between the inertia element and the said shaft out of their normal relative positions.

12. A rotary inertia device comprising a shaft adapted to be rotarily driven, an inertia element carried by said shaft and adapted to move rotatively thereon, said inertia element having two intersecting bores one of which is parallel to the axis of said shaft and the other of which is disposed at an angle to the first said bore, a member fixed to the shaft and extending into the first said bore of the inertia element in a manner to permit limited relative movement between the inertia element and the shaft, a pair of springbiased stops carried by the inertia element in the other of said bores and arranged on opposite sides of said member in contact therewith to yieldingly hold said inertia element in a certain normal position with respect to said shaft and to form a resilient driving connection between the said shaft and the inertia element, means for varying the force with which the springbiased stops resist rotary movement of the inertia element out of its normal position with respect to said shaft, and switch means operative in response to rotary movement of the inertia element with respect to the said shaft.

CLYDE C. FARMER. 

